If you have been tuned in to the media in the past week you will not have been able to miss the announcement by the Federal Government of their new WorkChoices legislation. This controversial planned revision of industrial relations laws will take place over the next couple of years while the Government has a majority in the Senate. This article summarises the likely impact of the changes on working carers.

Carers Week is a national awareness week held across Australia during October each year. This year the dates are October 16-22. Activities are held in each state and territory which focus on celebrating caring and information and support for carers. Activities are mostly held during the day, so access by working carers may be limited. If you have a flexible and supportive workplace, it may be worth asking your employer if you can take time off to attend.

If you are caring for a child with a disability no doubt you are heavily involved in your child’s development. You may also be frustrated at the gaps in services. Some carers have used their years at home to formalise the skills gained through this involvement to find employment and to lobby for better services. This is the story of two parents who turned their frustration into action.

Women will be worse off under the Federal Government’s proposed WorkChoices legislation according to two Melbourne academics. Speaking at a recent conference they highlighted the possible implications of the new laws. With the majority of carers being women, their argument is a timely warning for women working carers.

As a carer, your desire to look after the person you are caring for and pressure from others might make you wonder if you can hold down a job as well. You may feel guilty about going to work and leaving your care receiver at home alone or with others. While the choice to work as well as care may be difficult, there are many positive results.